Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Lots of people, great music, had a great time there, even though it was short. Never

Here are two pieces that I contributed to the show with my friend Tyrel, it was fun collaborating with him on these 2 pieces. (sorry about the bad photos, i couldn't get a scan of the piece before i sent them out unfortunately..) After i painted the girl, he worked on the airbrushing of the background and texture of the piece. He also painted the red riding hood running away from the octopus monster i painted. Tyrel is now the third artist I've collaborated with.

"A haunting thought" oil on wood - 12x12

"Better run" oil on wood - 12x12

Collaborative art is a really fun part of art creating for me, its really exciting to see how my style fuses with others and how each style compliments each other. Whenever I pass my art to another, I'll tell them to do anything they want, paint over my work a bit, change or add things to what I already have on it...etc. Its a great surprise when I see the result.

As much as I love collaborating with other artists, it might be a little while till I can collaborate with another. We'll see, but I got lots of pieces to finish first before I'll have the chance again.

Unfortunately, that night, I couldn't make it out to the other opening at Whippersnapper Gallery. I will try to make it and post photos of that one later on.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Heres one of the 3 pieces Whippersnapper gallery selected for their Summer bonanza show this weekend. I finished it a little while back for the grad show at the burroughes building.

Longing Tree - oil on wood 11x17

As for the concept of the piece, its a reflection of the feeling of a song called maple. Originally, it was what the assignment asked for, a reflection of a song for the personal narrative class. It was also how I was feeling at the time. Here is the lyrics of the song for those interested. I wish to create more pieces like this in the future, with more emotional connection. Special thanks to Harvey Chan and Blair Drawson for art directing me through this piece.

Dark clouds cast a shadow over our heartsI listen intently to the feelings that have long been silencedDistinct and clearJust like a beautiful landscapeThat can only be clearly seen in one's memoriesCan a heart that's been thoroughly wounded continue to love me?I tried hard to hold (your) cold handsThe tenderness in the pastIs locked in timeAll that's left are sadness that cannot be dispersedLonging is like maple leaves, slowly drifting downI light a candle to warm this year-end's autumnThe aurora steals across the horizonThe north wind flits across the face that's thinking of youAshes from my burning heart falls like leavesBut I can never regain (your) familiar face againLonging is like maple leaves, slowly drifting downWhy must I try to recover all before winter arrives?My love for you transcends all timeTwo streams of tears that were shed for the autumn's endLet the love flood throughI just want you by my sideSnowflakes have already covered the groundFearing that the maple leaves outside the window are already frozen